Posting this a bit belatedly, since I've already read some of the books:
SEPTEMBER
1. First Day of Fall
September 22nd marks the first official day of the fall season! This is marked by the autumnal equinox. After the autumnal equinox, the sun is rising later and nightfall comes sooner, and it stays this way until winter begins.
a. Read a book that contains a 2 in the page number. (The Radical? The English Breakfast Murder (288)?) b. Read a book published in September, October, or November. (Royal Blood? How To? Nate Expectations?) c. Read a book in which a significant even takes place at night. (A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen (2 of the 4 murders happen at night)?)
2. National Read a Book Day
Our favorite holiday!
a. Read a book by a new-to-you author. (Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine?) b. Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started. Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen c. Read a book that can be read in one day. (Childhood of Famous Americans?)
3. Fall or Autumn?
Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)
a. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN. (No Name by Wilkie Collins?) b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F. Five, Six, Seven, Nate! by Tim Federle c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover. (The English Breakfast Murder?)
4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein
Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.
a. Read a humorous book. (?? by Robert Fulghum?) b. Read a book written between 1930 and 1999. The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey (1983) c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.) (The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd? Faith Club by Suzanne Oliver, Pricscilla Warner, & Ranya Tabari Idliby?)
OCTOBER
1. Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin Spice is an American spice blend that is used in baking pumpkin pie. It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. When Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the use of pumpkin spice in fall drinks and food rose to popularity.
a. Read a book that has orange on the cover. A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green b. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE. (Shadows of Sherwood?) c. Read a book in which food plays a role in the book. (The English Breakfast Murder?)
2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine
R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.
a. Read a children's or YA book. A Tyranny of Petticoats b. Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS. (Shadows of Sherwood?) c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury. (Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine?)
3. World Mental Health Day
In 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health created World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
a. Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH. Blood of Tyrants by Naomi Novik b. Read a book featuring a healthcare worker. (??Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi?) c. Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health. (??Her Dark Curiousity by Megan Shepherd?)
4. Halloween
Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, is celebrated the night before the Christian holiday of All Souls Day. Traditions for Halloween vary, but often include a mixture of fall and fantastical activities.
a. Read a horror book. (More Goosebumps?) b. Read a book in which the main character has a disguise. (A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers?) c. Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award. (American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Bram Stoker 2001))
NOVEMBER
1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.
a. Read a book that has brown on the cover. (A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen?) b. Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS. (A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers? (Sidra)) c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character. (Time Traveling with your Octopus by Brian Kesinger?)
2. November for Beginners
In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.
a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer). (The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig) b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse. (An American Sunrise? More Shakespeare?) c. Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award. (Shadows of Sherwood by Kekla Magoon?)
3. But it's spring?
It's only autumn in the northern hemisphere. While we descend into the cold winter days, our southern friends are welcoming the sunshine and springtime. "In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." - Margaret Atwood
a. Read a book with a green or yellow cover. (Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House by Stephanie Barron?) b. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT. (How To by Randall Munroe?) c. Read a book found on one of these lists: - Quartz's Perfect Books for the Season Under the Glacier by Halldór Laxness - Goodread's 2020 Big Books of Spring - Modern Mrs. Darcy's Springtime Reading List - InspireMe's Books to Read in the Spring
4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle
Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.
a. Read a fantasy novel. ( Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton? Deryni Rising by Katherine Kurtz?) b. Read a book with religious themes. (Faith Club by Suzanne Oliver, Pricscilla Warner, & Ranya Tabari Idliby?) c. Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle. (Mere Christianity?)
SEPTEMBER
1. First Day of Fall
September 22nd marks the first official day of the fall season! This is marked by the autumnal equinox. After the autumnal equinox, the sun is rising later and nightfall comes sooner, and it stays this way until winter begins.
a. Read a book that contains a 2 in the page number.
(The Radical? The English Breakfast Murder (288)?)
b. Read a book published in September, October, or November.
(Royal Blood? How To? Nate Expectations?)
c. Read a book in which a significant even takes place at night.
(A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen (2 of the 4 murders happen at night)?)
2. National Read a Book Day
Our favorite holiday!
a. Read a book by a new-to-you author.
(Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine?)
b. Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started.
Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen
c. Read a book that can be read in one day.
(Childhood of Famous Americans?)
3. Fall or Autumn?
Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)
a. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN.
(No Name by Wilkie Collins?)
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F.
Five, Six, Seven, Nate! by Tim Federle
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover.
(The English Breakfast Murder?)
4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein
Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.
a. Read a humorous book.
(?? by Robert Fulghum?)
b. Read a book written between 1930 and 1999.
The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey (1983)
c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.)
(The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd? Faith Club by Suzanne Oliver, Pricscilla Warner, & Ranya Tabari Idliby?)
OCTOBER
1. Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin Spice is an American spice blend that is used in baking pumpkin pie. It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. When Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the use of pumpkin spice in fall drinks and food rose to popularity.
a. Read a book that has orange on the cover.
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
b. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE.
(Shadows of Sherwood?)
c. Read a book in which food plays a role in the book.
(The English Breakfast Murder?)
2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine
R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.
a. Read a children's or YA book.
A Tyranny of Petticoats
b. Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS.
(Shadows of Sherwood?)
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.
(Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine?)
3. World Mental Health Day
In 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health created World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
a. Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH.
Blood of Tyrants by Naomi Novik
b. Read a book featuring a healthcare worker.
(??Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi?)
c. Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health.
(??Her Dark Curiousity by Megan Shepherd?)
4. Halloween
Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, is celebrated the night before the Christian holiday of All Souls Day. Traditions for Halloween vary, but often include a mixture of fall and fantastical activities.
a. Read a horror book.
(More Goosebumps?)
b. Read a book in which the main character has a disguise.
(A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers?)
c. Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award.
(American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Bram Stoker 2001))
NOVEMBER
1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.
a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
(A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen?)
b. Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS.
(A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers? (Sidra))
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character.
(Time Traveling with your Octopus by Brian Kesinger?)
2. November for Beginners
In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.
a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer).
(The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig)
b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse.
(An American Sunrise? More Shakespeare?)
c. Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award.
(Shadows of Sherwood by Kekla Magoon?)
3. But it's spring?
It's only autumn in the northern hemisphere. While we descend into the cold winter days, our southern friends are welcoming the sunshine and springtime. "In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." - Margaret Atwood
a. Read a book with a green or yellow cover.
(Jane and the Prisoner of Wool House by Stephanie Barron?)
b. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT.
(How To by Randall Munroe?)
c. Read a book found on one of these lists:
- Quartz's Perfect Books for the Season
Under the Glacier by Halldór Laxness
- Goodread's 2020 Big Books of Spring
- Modern Mrs. Darcy's Springtime Reading List
- InspireMe's Books to Read in the Spring
4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle
Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.
a. Read a fantasy novel.
( Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton? Deryni Rising by Katherine Kurtz?)
b. Read a book with religious themes.
(Faith Club by Suzanne Oliver, Pricscilla Warner, & Ranya Tabari Idliby?)
c. Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle.
(Mere Christianity?)